Majority of exporters planning for return of tariffs and customs checks

Majority of exporters planning for return of tariffs and customs checks

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Half of exporters have put in place at least one measure to mitigate the potential impact of Brexit.

The majority of respondents surveyed by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) said they have begun scenario planning for the reintroduction of tariffs on goods and services, and the possible reintroduction of customs checks.

However, IEA’s members said a big concern was a lack of customs expertise, as many have not dealt with tariffs for decades. Alternative transportation routes for goods are also being examined.

IEA chief executive Simon McKeever said members were concerned about the uncertainty around trade with the UK.

Meanwhile, a survey by the Small Firms Association found most of its members remain optimistic. Just under 60pc of members felt the business environment was improving, down slightly from 62pc a year ago.